Verifying the rumors we’ve been hearing for months, Apple has officially unveiled its totally new Maps application for iOS 6. Scott Forstall demoed the app onstage today at WWDC. “In iOS 6, we’ve built an entirely new mapping solution from the ground up, and it is beautiful,” said Forstall. “We’re doing all the cartography ourselves. This is a worldwide effort. We’re covering the world.” This includes 100 million business listings worldwide.

It looks like Google Maps has indeed been kicked to the curb.

Among the new backend, the new Maps app will feature an integrated traffic service, turn-by-turn navigation, Siri integration, an enhanced 3D view called “Flyover.”

Apple is using anonymously-collected real-time traffic data to build a traffic service in the new Maps app that will provide incident reports to users on the go. This feature was rumored last year.

Another huge addition is Apple’s own turn-by-turn navigation system. “Once you find a place you’d like to go, just tap quick route,” said Forstall. The new navigation interface will also be directly built into the iOS 6 lock screen.

Siri is also integrated. “Just ask Siri to take you somewhere and you’re on your way,” said Schiller. “Ask questions along your route, like where can I get gas? And kids can ask the age old question: “Are we there yet?” Brilliant.

The new Flyover feature is basically an enhanced 3D maps view. Apple has built models of cities around the world, and they look absolutely gorgeous. That’s gotta hurt Google.

Cute. Not very useful, unless it stores maps on the device. I travel a lot, especially to small roads in non-3G (geez, many are non-any signal) areas. With limited data plans, and as much travel as I do, I never used the google app. Nor will I use this, unless, again, the maps are downloaded and used offline.

My Navigon App, stores all maps for Canada and the US (including tiny little fire roads in the National Forest system) in a 1.5 Gb file on my iPhone. When I’m in a 3G area, I can use google in-App to find POI’s that I require.

I’m sorry, but I think these maps for people who travel once a year, not for real power users of Navigation. The iPad and iPhone Navigation apps, though expensive, are infinitely more powerful and useful.

Fiercehairdo

Does the new maps app include street view? I thought that was dependant on google? I’ve heard no mention of it… I use it a lot so hope it hasn’t,t been dropped.

Fiercehairdo

A little further investigation and it seems street view has been dropped along with the old maps app. Very bad move. I don’t want 3D aerial views (that will probably have limited coverage). I want access to street view.

Fiercehairdo

A little further investigation and it seems street view has been dropped along with the old maps app. Very bad move. I don’t want 3D aerial views (that will probably have limited coverage). I want access to street view.

About the author

Alex Heath is a journalist and co-host of The CultCast who lives in Lexington, Kentucky . He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like "ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation." If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Twitter always works too.

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